I wrote this article for Arts in Bushwick to share resources and lend support to others thinking about starting creative businesses in Bushwick. Each day I am thankful that I am able to run my studio and do what I love for a living. Maybe someone else will take heart once they see what’s been accomplished here.

Earlier this year, I decided it was finally time to build my own dedicated work space, where I could spend more time building my own personal and commission work. As of June 1, I am open for business at the brand new Happenstance Jewelry Studio. Located in East Williamsburg/Bushwick Brooklyn, I hope the new studio will be a home to myself as well as a few former students who are just starting to make their way in the jewelry industry. I will also be able to offer supervised work time and private lessons, which I haven’t been able to offer in the past. In the upcoming months we’ll be adding a lofted office to the space, so we’ll also be bringing in clients to meet there. Here’s hoping for a fruitful new year at the new space. Check out all the details here: www.happenstancejewelrystudio.com and check out the snapshot of a corner of the space below:

My Magnolia Earrings have just been approved as a production design on ShopBevel.com….what does this mean? It means that you can order a replica version of my original design at a much lower cost than the originals. Check outthis link to pre-order, and when you enter the code PREORDER50 you can take 25% off the listed price! Just perfect for wedding season…I made these in time for my friend Meghan’s wedding last year, I hope you will enjoy them on any fanciful occasion!

We’re tweaking the curricula at 3rd Ward where I teach. I decided, before I could ask students to make this project, I ought to try it. So here’s my interlocking ring sample in bronze and copper. It looks a little like bunnies, but the original intention was for the line to look like the top of a wheat schaff or other cluster of grains. I think I’ll have my students keep it a little more simple.

On my way to drop this commission piece with the client I took a few snapshots of this wild bronze bikini. Each flower is about 4.5″ x 4″ x 3″. I left a rainbow oxide/heat patina on the piece, and each adjustable chain is hand built, forged and soldered. Now you know what I’ve been doing the past few months – plus, my never ending quest for the next steps in my design studio and with my non-profit, Uproar Art.